Lexington School District Approves $817 Million Budget for 2024-25, Prioritizing Safety and Staff Retention

Lexington’s School Budget for 2024-25: A Closer Look

Exciting times are ahead for Lexington, Kentucky, as the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) has officially approved its working budget for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, totaling an impressive $817 million. Out of this, a robust general fund of $671 million will help support numerous essential services that benefit both students and staff alike.

What’s in the Budget?

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins confidently stated, “There is absolutely zero concerns with this budget.” It’s reassuring to hear that the school district feels stable and equipped to handle the emerging challenges of the coming year. One notable aspect of this budget is its careful planning following the economic turbulence caused by the pandemic. It seems that the district has taken the loss of Covid-era funding into account while also preparing for a conservative approach to state funding.

Teacher Salaries and Recruitment Efforts

Last year, the FCPS board made headlines by granting historic pay raises, with an average increase of around 8 percent. While this year, teachers and staff can expect a smaller bump with an anticipated average salary increase of 1 percent, the emphasis on retaining talent has undoubtedly paid off. Board Chair Tyler Murphy pointed out, “One of the reasons we saw greater costs perhaps than what was anticipated was because of the numbers of teachers, educators and staff who decided to stay in Fayette County.” The pay increase, along with a new $250 classroom stipend and the district’s first-ever paid parental leave policy, showcases a strong commitment to attracting and keeping quality educators.

Focusing on School Safety

Another major component of the budget is dedicated to enhancing school safety. Superintendent Liggins highlighted how a significant portion of funds would be allocated towards securing buildings and providing necessary support services, including counselors, social workers, and mental health specialists. In addition to these crucial roles, the budget includes provisions for a police force to ensure the safety of students and staff. Some of the safety funding will stem from the 2018 nickel tax, while the remainder comes from the general fund.

Addressing Changes in Staffing

Questions often arise regarding staffing changes in schools. Superintendent Liggins explained, “Every single year based on enrollment, based on student needs, what they desire to take, things are added or cut. There is nothing new about that in the 2024/25 budget.” This notion speaks to the adaptive nature of the school district, as they continuously evolve to meet the needs and preferences of students and families.

Board Approval and Community Reactions

The budget received board approval, with a slight hitch: one member, Amanda Ferguson, voted against it. While reactions from the community at large have varied, the underlying sentiment appears to focus on optimism and hope that the funds will be wisely invested for the benefit of students and educators alike.

Looking Ahead

The fact that the FCPS has focused on maintaining rigorous standards while also addressing critical issues such as safety and staff retention spells a bright future for Lexington. As the district gears up for the next school year, it is evident that they are taking every measure to provide a nurturing and effective learning environment.

With an eye on growth and improvement, Lexington’s schools are certainly moving in an exciting direction as they begin to implement these new budget measures. Here’s hoping that the future continues to shine brightly for our educators and the students that they passionately serve.